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Help us prevent more cost increases for you, as new Alberta labour review looms

Published March 24, 2017

(Mar 24/17) Alberta is conducting a Labour and Employment Standards Review, which could have implications for you. For example, the review could lead to anti-business changes, such as replacing union certification secret ballot votes with a card check certification system, as well as possible common employer provisions.

What we’re doing

Restaurants Canada met with the Minister of Labour to share the deep impact Alberta’s aggressive minimum wage policy (including removal of the liquor server wage) has had on the industry. We told him that industry employment fell 3.8%, with 4,700 lost jobs last year.

We also told the Minister our industry can’t afford any higher potential labour costs that result from this review, as restaurateurs brace themselves for another large, $1.40-increase in minimum wage this October.

On average, 34% of every dollar spent at a foodservice establishment in Alberta goes to payroll costs. Alberta’s restaurant industry employs more than 150,000 people, including 60,000 young people under the age of 25, and is the leading source of first-time jobs.

What you can do

You can complete the Employment Standards survey after determining any red tape and cost implications, by April 18. Complete the survey.

We also encourage you to contact Restaurants Canada’s Mark von Schellwitz with any questions or concerns. We can add your feedback into our official submission before April 18.

Restaurants Canada is also a member of the Alberta Growth Initiative, which recently launched a “Keep Alberta Working” campaign to educate Albertans about the potential impact of upcoming changes to labour laws. We urge you to support the campaign. To find out how you can participate in the campaign and upcoming electronic petition, visit the Alberta Growth Initiative and Facebook page.